LAKE BIWA 100 is an authentic 100-mile race comparable to overseas 100 mile race in full-fledged mountains. The course runs through a technical and beautiful ridgeline of the 1,200m class mountains (e.g. Suzuka Mountains, Hira Mountains) in renowned mountainous areas in Kansai, which requires runners, not only running ability, but comprehensive ability to run through the mountains and risk management skill.
Runners can enjoy the mountains surrounding Lake Biwa, which offers various and exciting challenges, and beautiful scenery along the course. After going through rough mountainous area in Suzuka Mountains, runners enters Shiga Prefecture on the Tokai Nature Trail where runners can enjoy running in a relatively flat section, and proceeds to the mountainous area again. From the trail overlooking Lake Biwa, the runners proceed to famous Mt. Hiei Enryakuji Temple in Kyoto, head north while enjoying traditional buildings of Japan, and enter the rugged mountain range. After conquering this mountain area, the runner reaches the last aid station set at a shrine called Modoroki Shrine, where people pray for their safely return. The runners pray for finishing the race safely, and then faces the last challenge, climbing the long steep climb of the Hira mountain range to the ridgeline. From there, Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, and the Suzuka Mountains located across the lake can be seen. Then, the runner go down a steep descent of 1000 meters to Lake Biwa, at once, runs along the lake shore, and finishes at a beach of Lake Biwa. Many runners enjoy Goal & Dive, where the runner dive into the lake celebrating their achievement. The Cut-off time is set for a relatively long time, but the course is challenging. Since completing this course itself is a big challenge, this race may be a first step for local runners aiming to enter oversea races. For runners from overseas, this is a unique opportunity where you can experience the beautiful nature of Japan, steep and challenging mountains, and Japanese cultures.
Distance 169km D+10,500m
IBUKI publishes and distributes GPX files, so be sure to check the details of your course before the race.
https://ibuki.run/ev/8963250946386847703/ (Each aid stations are plotted on this map.)
※ The distance and the elevation may be stated smaller than actual number because of its algorism.
Restrictions
Running prohibited area・Running poles prohibited area
Please walk in the following area
- Suzuka quasi-national park special reserved area： It will be marked on the course (approx. 5km point to 14km point from the start) ※except for the ASPHALT-PAVED ROAD and the ski slope
- In the Mt. Hiei Enryakuji temple： It will be marked on the course ( approx. 134km point to 135km point from the start)
Please do not use poles in the following area
- Suzuka quasi-national park special protected area： It will be marked on the course (approx. 5km point to 14km point from the start) ※except for the ASPHALT-PAVED ROAD and the ski slope
Personal Assistance
Personal assistance is tolerated at the following posts:
A3,A4,A5,A6
*A6 doesn’t have car parking. Please use coin parking nearby and do not park on the street.
Restrictions at aid stations
- Only one personal assistance is allowed to enter each aid station and carrying bag should not exceed 40 litters.
- Please be quiet at the aid stations in town at night.
Use of shops and vending machines on the course
Use of shops and vending machines on the course are allowed. If you go off the course to reach any shops and vending machines, you must go back to the point where you left the course.
The trail not permitted to enter before the race
The trail starting about 2 km after A7 Modoroki Shrine to Mt. Ryozen is not permitted to enter after May 1 2023 until the open announcement will be made due to the logging work. It may take few years to finish. On the race day we have permission to go through, but don’t touch any heavy vehicles parked around the area.